Ghantran Revelry
Game Date: August 4
Session Date: 10-09-2010
Prior to teleporting:
Group discusses heading to Ghantra or Noldair. They decide to head to Ghantra for a few reasons, including the repair of Sol's shoulder. Prentice objects to Ghantra on the priciple that he wants to kill The Baron.Arrival in Ghantra
Tyke telports the group to Ghantra, concentrating on Jean-Luc's dad's house. When they arrive, they are 70 feet above the house. Tyke casts Featherfall to slow the group's decent to the roof of the house.Rondax, agitated at the recent spate of teleportation failures, throws Tyke and himself off the roof once the group lands.
At the comotion caused by Rondax, Steward Cesar appears from inside the house and invites the group inside. Once inside, Cesar hands JL a stack of letters from JL's father, who is currently on the war front at the Tarsk border. Cesar also provides JL with the information that his father recently encountered a band of six elves along the border. Of those six, 4 were taken hostage and 2 escaped. In other news, the war efforts are going well, in large part due to The Baron's work with the Chalice.
Cesar brings up the idea of a function to welcome home JL and as a means for JL to mingle with the other aristocracy in Ghantra. JL insists that a function is not necessary, but caves in when both Bono and Rondax insist that a function be held in his honor. The set the function for August 7.
Taking care of business
Bono declared he will help plan the function. He privately plans on hiring The Wish-Bringers (from Dreambook Group fame) before learning that the band is currently wanted by The Baron. Bono's second option is to hire a few Mellons (the Thieve's guild). The band is known as Soft Red Clay. He spent the remainder of the day flying high as a kite with the Mellons.Prentice and Sol head off to the Britigine Church to dinf out what is needed to repair Sol's shoulder. Prentice realizes there is a new priestess at the church, Marian Windwood. She examines Sol and declares the only healing measure possible of repairing the pneumatic cord (nerve) into his left arm is the Right of Greater Restoration. The component cost for the spell is 2000 royals. Prentice and Sol thank the priestess before heading out to obtain the necessary components.
Tyke and Rondax head off to (Paul Martan, mage with extensive experience identifying mage items). After looking over the group's loot laid out by Tyke, Paul informs Tyke that orcish magic is usually reliable. As they start testing items, Tyke buys Rondax a pair of smoked-glass goggles. During the identification of the incense, Tyke experiences a conflict with his inner panther. The panther wants out and initiates a battle for control. Tyke gains a hold of the panter but gets clawed for 10 dmg. Tyke punches the panther in return for 7 dmg, but gets another set of claws for 6 dmg. Tyke's next punch misses, but the panther's claws dig in for another 5. The both miss each other then Tyke connects lightly for 3 dmg. The panther comes back with a wicked set of claws and connects for 14 dmg knocking Tyke out of control. Tyke's body elongates and takes on feline characteristics while the panther is in control. After Paul puts out the incense, he dispells the panther, allowing Tyke to retake control of his body. The panther is not happy.
After returning to the Stormslayer house, Rondax gets in some practice with this new warhammer, driving the serving staff into a fearful state. While Sol and Prentice return to the Church in preparation of the healing.
While the group was out, Cesar received a request from The Baron for the group's attendance at dinner the following evening.
Identify Orcish Loot
| Value | Result | Item | Purpose |
| 200 r | sold | candles | Gloom candles, each will burn an hour. Usually used in conjunction with rituals to summon undead. |
| Tyke | Exotic Incense | sweet smoke, smells like acrid bananas. Provides Wizard Sight which awakens spiritual awareness. | |
| 500 r | sold | Ritual Dagger | Blood Drinker, gives stolen life-force to wielder. |
| 700 r | sold | Great Sword | Standard bonus of moderate value to combat (!2). |
| Rondax | Warhammer | Hammer of Thunder, !1/!1d6 sonic dmg | |
| JL | Breast Plate | Lighter, better fitting, !2 bonus | |
| 500 r | sold | Wand | Dark bolt (evil) |
| kept | Red Cloak of Dukash | Resist Fire (10 dmg) | |
| Bono | Ring of Jumping | additional 10 feet height or 20 feet length | |
| Bono | Scroll in Bone tube | Mammon's Gamble. | |
Total Profits
| Amount | Source | ||
| 1000 r | Reg. Items from Armory | ||
| 1900 r | Magic Items | ||
| -50 r | Identification cost | ||
| -650 r | Components (Sol's arm) | ||
| --- | |||
| 2250 r | |||
Later in the week Tyke, remembers the flasks obtained with the orcish loot and decides to open one. Out of the flask, a demon on a horse appears. The demon desires to know what task it must perform to obtain its freedom. Tyke tasks it to return home and never return. Once the demon has disappeared, the flask melts then evaporates. Tyke decides to keep the second flask for an emergency.
Britigine Affairs
Marian performs the ritual on Sol's shoulder, eliciting memories of the fire powder barrel exploding on his shoulder. While Sol recovers from the experience, Prentice and Marian discuss recent events concerning Britigines.Ghantra now requires Britigines:
- to be publicly marked.
- who own businesses must have a speciall licence
- are limited to city proper
Many Britigines are being arrested on false charges or implicated in crimes, leading to an increase in revoluationary ideas. Rumors have began to spread that The Baron will claim Plon has assumed Britigets Sphere of Power. The Britigine Church knows The Baron has the Chalice and is afraid he will use it to carve a buffer between Ghantra and New Bragny, out of Calandarian land.
A new enclave has developed in the Ghantran panhandle, named New Farisia which is claiming to be the Britigine Kingdom. There are other areas where Britigines are welcome, but Marian is afraid this is only the beginning. There is also pressure from the Church of Walathere which has become adherent to the Britigines, primarily due to Walathere's position as son of Britiget.
Marian also worries about Prentice's relationship with Jean-Luc. If conditions worsen within Ghantra, he may no longer be considered fit company for Jean-Luc. There is also the possiblity that The Baron wants Prentice around Jean-Luc to enhance JL's image as The Paladin of the People. She asks that if Prentice hears of any pending resolutions or actions against the Britigine Church, that he notify her if at all possible. Both, Marian and Prentice, realize that Jean-Luc may need to make a stand against The Baron.
Jean-Luc
Jean-Luc spent the first two days back in Ghantra preparing for the function proposed by Cesar and Bono. Unfortunately or fortunately, the speech says quite a bit about absolutely nothing, just as JL intended.Dinner with The Baron
While preparing for dinner, Prentice questions whether he should attend with how recent events in Ghantra have portrayed Britigines. After some coercing by the others convince Prentice to not only attend the dinner, but be sure to bring up the issues relevant to Britiget's followers.
The group is outfitted for dinner by Gustav(a flamboyant tailor with some experience dealing with the group).
Jean-Luc's Early Arrival
Jean-Luc arrives at The Baronial palace early to meet with The Baron prior to the remainder of the group arriving. They discuss recent events, including the Kawaneze fire powder. The Gagnerian interest in Burma, which both agree may be due to the warm-water ports. The Baron mentions that the Ambassador for the Dwarven Confederation has recently asked for military aid, which The Baron is entertaining the idea of providing in the form of logistical support. Jean-Luc believes this may be to gain some type of control over the Dwarven Confederation.The Baron also reveals that Alexis Stormslayer is in control of Tarsk, conSolidating Ghantran power. The Calandians are in no position to counter-strike. At the point, Jean-Luc mentions the desire for a civil conversation once the remaining party members arrive.
The Baron continues with the news that Jean-Luc's father was injured in the battle with the R'hlar and lost his eye. At this point, The Baron side-steps into thoughts of succession within Jean-Luc's familial house with an emphasis on an heir to sucede Jean-Luc. The Baron is willing to grant some license to JL in his selection of a bride due to JL's track record with the people, also The Baron would prefer that JL select his own bride.
At this time, The Baron cuts off conversation, realizing that the remainder of the group has arrived.
Group Arrival
The group arrives at The Baronial Palace. As they enter, Tyke knocks on a Grayman. Another speaks to Rondax as he investigates it. In return Rodax 'moons' the Grayman. Rondax then begins to feel a constriction around his hind quarters.
During introductions into the dining room, Jean-Luc promotes Tyke to Lietenant.
After eating dinner, The Baron and the group converse over a variety of topics.
- The resistance in the Whitelands. If Princess ... is able to rally the barbarians in the north, she will possess a force that the orcs will have to reckon with. Despite her knowledge of the group, they do not feel she will leak any information to other countries. The group also relays their belief that the resistance may succede under the Princess's guidance but they could definately use any help available. The orcish hold is tenuous but relies on their greatest strength, numerical superiority. If Gagneria is unable to hold The Whitelands, the most likely next target would be New Bragney since Gagneria has a border aggreement with New Irelia and trades with Tedrox.
- Fortunately for the group, there is a small, but sizable population of Wemics in New Bragney, some of which have been freed. The numbers of free Wemics include a few capable fighters.
- Dwarven News:
- The dwarven ambassador, Hrathgar Ironboots, claims he represents the Confederation of Dwarven City-States (CDCS). He is from Cavecrest Hold which is currently beseiged. He claims that CSCS has requested logistical aid in lifting the seige at Cavecrest.
- The Baron believes that the High Priest of An from Silverwell is alive. If the Gagenerian Influence can be lifted, the High Priest would be capable of reinstating the Clerics of An, as well as performing succession rights for any dwarves ready to lead their city-state.
The Proposals
- Kawanese Fire Powder Factory should be destroyed. The Baron will arrange transport to and from Kawan. The group would like to speak to Captain ??? to determine if there's another way to stop shipments.
- Remove Gagnerian influence from Silverwell. This would free CDCS from its current stalemate. As a means to this end, Prentice was promoted to the station of Ambassador to Silverwell.
Afterwards there was some talk about loyalty and protection of the people between Prentice and The Baron. Sometime during the conversations, Sol realizes that The Baron has placed the Chalice of Noldair on top of a staff made from the red-ore mined at Dol Geldar. Apparently, the red-ore has properties that allows the bearer to control magic and Earth Gifts. This may partly explain why the ore is desired by the orcs.
Post Conversation Discussion
The group discusses their meeting with The Baron on their return to the Stormslayer house. Despite their initial plan to introduce The Baron's diplomats to the Kawaneze caption, after further discussion, this appears to be a bad idea. The group should handle negotiations to cease tranport of fire-powder themselves.By travelling to Silverwell, the group removes themselves from The Baronies. This may allow The Baron some free rein with his own plans, which no one really knows. It also reduces the likelihood of finding any of pieces belonging to the Rod of The Barons. The group also voices aloud their concerns of finding and obtaining the pieces since all are either well guarded or missing.
Silverwell may be a good option, but before making a decision, Sol should speak with the Confederation's diplomat to determine both intentions and where those intensions are based from.
Their plan is as follows:
1 Week in Ghantra recovering from recent activities.
5 Weeks or less at Noldair
Meet with the Kawaneze Captain at the Gold Port
Return to Ghantra for Supplies and to finalize details for Silverwell
Jean-Luc's Function
Bono and company decorated the entire garden for the festivies. The stage is flanked by banners displaying Jean-Luc's face. Candles and lamps lighten the scene from the tables. A banner above the stages reads "Releasing Jean-Luc into The Wild".The group is again prepped by Gustav prior to announcements.
Bono introduces the group, with the object of attention introduced as the People's Paladin. Jean-Luc's customary speech was a complete bomb and confused everyone.
The band was an interesting assortment of characters.
JL was approached by Annette Dumond, a barronette as well as other nobles. Jean-Luc is able to out smalltalk each of them. Included in that group of nobles are many young women, some of them not of noble birth. Of interest amoung the women of lower birth is Clarisse who introduces herself as an employee of the Painted Piper, whose employees were invited by Bono. After removing himself from Clarisse's entanglements, Jean-Luc heads into the kitchen to grab something to eat.
Reginald Velting, a Ghantran noble, approaches Prentice with questions concerning the invitation list. Prentice passes the mixed crowd as further enhancing Jean-Luc's image as the People's Paladin.
Drug Enduced Vibes
As the evening progresses, each and every party-goer that has consumed food at the function finds it necessary to fight off the effects of hashish sweet bread. Just as those effects are setting in, one of the members of Soft Red Clay adds some Dancing Lights to the show.As people succumb to the hashish, nobility joins the guests from the Painted Piper on the dance floor. Rondax allows himself to be ridden by a topless wench onto the stage where he joins the band for the evening.
Annette approaches Jean-Luc and precedes to remove her top. Jean-Luc removes himself from Annette's presence and heads out for a walk. Rondax, having left the stage makes out with an enamored wench. Tyke convinces one of the nobility to abscond to his room while Bono provides Annette with directions and a key to Jean-Luc's room, to the best of his limited faculties. Soft Red Clay closes out the night with "Damn The Man."
As the band comes to a close and the party quiets down, most of the guests lie down wherever they can find room, with whomever is near. Sol and Prentice, begin to clean up the guests, sending the nobles on their way with the appropriate handlers and scuttling those from the Painted Piper back to their hovels.
As Jean-Luc walks through the city at night, he is approached by a filthy man requesting some coin. Jean-Luc gives him the sweet bread he carried out of the house. In return the beggar says something along the lines of "He's watching you, knows where you going. It's time you knew about your father."
The Morning After
Tyke arises and awakens his guest, claiming he knows nothing and walks her out. As she's leaving the grounds, Tyke casts invisibility on the poor girl. Bono wakes up between warmth and a wall. As he looks up, he sees Jean-Luc standing there. Jean-Luc thanks Bono for the party, stating he will abSolutely deny having enjoyed the evening if ever asked. As Jean-Luc walks out of Bono's room, he hears a door rattling. Upon inspection, it appears someone crammed a piece of sweet bread into the key-hole. Jean-Luc opens it to find Annette who is understandably, extemely confused. Rondax awakens to find himself covered by two women. Having abSolutely no recollection of the previous evening, Rondax springs away awakening both women. The second woman, claims to remember the previous evening and would like to meet Rondax again.Bono blames the entire evening on the shellfish.
As time passes, the party disappears from the memory of the nobility while for those from the lower levels of society, it becomes a legend. Also Soft Red Clay finds new life as their popularity soars. Publicly only the lower levels of society will hire them, but there are quiet rumors of private shows for small groups of nobility.
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